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St. Anthony's Medical Center offers programs to help you learn ways to stop symptoms of stress and relax your body and mind. Click for schedule.Tend and Befriend
Women respond differently to stress
Researchers say taking a power nap is a great way to reduce stress, increase productivity and enhance learning. You may think naps are for children, but the positive effects from just a 20-minute snooze are enough to convince anyone.
As caregivers, women often get overwhelmed and stressed by the demands of families, careers and other life situations. Research is showing that women respond differently than men to stress. Some researchers call it a “tend and befriend” reaction — women often respond to stress by nurturing those around them and reaching out to others. This is due to a hormone called oxytocin, which the body produces when adrenaline is high. Women produce much more oxytocin than men.
While talking about stress with others is a great way to manage it, a woman’s tendency to nurture can produce more stress. So, while you care for your family, remember to also nurture yourself. Take time to exercise, relax or be with friends. You can take care of your family best when you take care of yourself.
Sources: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, WomensHealth.gov;
WebMD.
For information, please call our Health Access Line at 314-ANTHONY (268-4669) or 800-554-9550 or visit our find a physician online.
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